Ink to Replace Markers in Pune Zilla Parishad Elections; 10,800 Bottles Dispatched to Polling Stations

Ink will replace marker pens in the Pune Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections on February 7, as the State Election Commission moves to prevent erased markings and eliminate the risk of double voting

Maharashtra | February 4, 2026: For the Pune Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections scheduled on February 7, the State Election Commission has decided to use indelible ink instead of marker pens to mark voters’ fingers. The move follows complaints during recent municipal corporation elections, where markings made with marker pens were reportedly erased, raising concerns about the possibility of double voting

As part of the revised arrangement, 10,800 bottles of indelible ink have been dispatched to 3,605 polling stations across Pune district. Each polling station will be provided with two bottles of ink. The ink has been procured from Mysore and supplied by Mysore Paints and Varnishes Ltd., officials confirmed.

According to election authorities, the decision aims to strengthen electoral integrity and eliminate doubts regarding repeat voting. The Commission stated that permanent ink markings would ensure greater transparency and voter accountability during the polling process.

A total of 29,72,359 voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the Pune Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. Of these, 15,22,256 are male voters, 14,50,014 are female voters, and 91 fall under the ‘other’ category. Indapur taluka has the highest number of voters at over 3.21 lakh, followed by Shirur, Junnar, Khed, and Daund. Rajgad taluka has the lowest voter count at 55,230.The Election Commission has also flagged the presence of 67,012 potential duplicate voters in the district. Due to time constraints, complete verification through Booth Level Officers could not be concluded. As a precaution, such voters will be required to submit a written undertaking on polling day declaring that they have not voted at any other polling station.

Additionally, 3,474 teachers from Pune district appearing for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) on the same day have been exempted from election duty to avoid logistical conflicts. Other teachers not appearing for the examination will continue to be deployed for polling responsibilities.

Election officials said these measures are aimed at ensuring a smooth, fair, and credible voting process.

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